Bill Would End Coronavirus Isolation and Quarantine Orders, Limit Use of Emergency Powers

State Representative Derek Grier has filed legislation this year with the intent of protecting the rights of citizens from the abuse or misuse of emergency powers given to elected officials.

Grier’s HB 602 would place limitations upon those powers granted to state or local officials by requiring that emergency powers exercised by the governor or any other official must be narrowly tailored to serve a compelling health or public safety issue, and be limited in the duration, application, and scope to avoid the infringing of constitutional rights of the individual citizens under their purview. In addition, Grier’s bill would give state courts the jurisdiction to hear cases challenging those orders.

The bill would further state that only the governor would be allowed to issue emergency orders that would infringe on the following rights: the rights to travel, work, assemble, and speak; the freedom of religious exercise; the nonimpairment of contract and property rights; freedom from unreasonable search and seizure; and the freedom to purchase lawful firearms and ammunition. Any order infringing upon these rights would be subject to expiration dates unless extended by a ratifying vote of both legislative chambers.

Grier says that such legislation has become necessary in light of the events of the past year, particularly relating to the coronavirus and the effects it has had, including the closing of businesses and limiting of travel and gatherings. As a resident of St. Louis County, Rep. Grier hopes that this legislation can prevent citizens from losing their businesses as a result of lockdowns and regulations preventing them from opening their doors to customers and providing valued services.

"It is vital that we reign in the emergency powers of our elected officials,” Grier, R-Chesterfield, said. “A public health emergency should not give state and local officials absolute free reign to infringe on our constitutional liberties."

Grier’s legislation will be considered by the Missouri General Assembly, which officially convened for the 2021 legislative session on January 6.